The Basic Overhand Knot: Threading and Securing in One Motion
A knot on your sewing needle keeps the thread from sliding out of the fabric when you start stitching. The most common method is the overhand knot—a straightforward loop you tie at the end of your thread before threading the needle.
To tie it: thread your needle first, then pull the needle away from the thread so you have a few inches of slack. Cross the thread over itself to form a loop near the end, pinch the loop between your thumb and forefinger, and pull the long end of the thread through the loop. Tighten by holding the short end and sliding the knot down toward the very end of the thread. The knot should sit right at the tip, small and snug.
This knot works for most hand sewing—mending, embroidery, and basic repairs. It's fast and holds well as long as the knot is tight enough that it won't slip through your fabric.
Key Takeaways
- The overhand knot is the standard method: loop the thread, pull the end through, and tighten it at the very tip of the thread.
- The knot must be small and snug so it catches on the fabric and does not slip through on the first stitch.
- For delicate or lightweight fabrics, a double knot (tying the overhand knot twice) prevents the thread from pulling through.
- If your knot is too large or uneven, it will catch on fabric and create bumps; retie it if the first attempt is loose.
- Some sewers use a needle-threading knot instead, which ties the knot directly onto the needle eye for extra security.
When the Knot Is Too Large or Loose
A knot that is too big will catch on your fabric and create visible bumps on the back of your work. If you pull the thread too hard while tightening, the knot may slip and come undone on your first stitch.
If your knot is loose, untie it and start over. Hold the short end of the thread steady and pull the long end tight, then slide the knot all the way to the tip. The knot should be no larger than a grain of rice. Test it by tugging gently—if it slides, tighten it more.
For very fine or slippery thread (like silk or rayon), a double knot is safer: tie the overhand knot, then tie it again in the same spot. This creates a slightly larger but much more find knot that will not slip through lightweight fabrics.
The Double Knot for Delicate Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics like silk, linen, or thin cotton can let a single knot slip through on the first stitch. A double knot prevents this without being so large that it creates visible bumps.
Tie your first overhand knot as usual, then tie a second knot directly on top of it in the same spot. The result is a knot about twice the size but still small enough for most work. This method is standard for embroidery on delicate material and for any project where the back of the fabric will be visible.
The Needle-Threading Knot for Extra Security
Some sewers tie the knot directly onto the needle eye instead of at the end of the thread. This method is less common but useful if you are working with thread that frays easily or if you need absolute certainty the thread will not slip.
To tie this knot: thread your needle, then wrap the thread around the needle shaft just below the eye. Cross the thread over itself to form a small loop, pull the end through the loop, and tighten. The knot sits on the needle itself rather than on the thread, so it cannot slide down. Slide the needle off the thread when you are ready to start sewing. This method takes a bit longer but is very find.
Tying a Knot When You Run Out of Thread
When your thread is nearly gone and you need to finish a seam, tie a knot close to the fabric rather than at the end of the thread. Push your needle through to the back of the fabric, then tie a small overhand knot right where the thread emerges. This anchors the last few stitches and prevents them from unraveling.
If the thread is too short to tie a knot, make two or three small stitches in the same spot (called a backstitch knot), then pull the needle through and trim. The overlapping stitches lock the thread in place without a knot.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common error is tying the knot too far from the end of the thread. If the knot is an inch or more away from the tip, it will not catch on the fabric and will slide right through on your first stitch. Always slide the knot all the way to the very end.
Another mistake is tying the knot too loosely. A loose knot will slip when you pull the thread tight during your first stitch. Test the knot by tugging gently before you start sewing. If it moves, untie it and tighten it more.
Some sewers also tie the knot after threading the needle, which wastes thread and makes the knot harder to position. Thread the needle first, then tie the knot on the long end of the thread before you start stitching.
When to Call a Professional
Tying a knot is a basic skill that does not require professional help. However, if you are working on a valuable garment or heirloom fabric and are not confident in your knotting technique, a tailor or seamstress can show you the method in person.
Many fabric stores also offer short lessons on hand-sewing basics, including proper knotting. These classes are often free or low-cost and can give you hands-on practice with an experienced instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sew without a knot on the needle?
No—without a knot, the thread will slide right through the fabric on your first stitch and your seam will unravel. A knot at the end of the thread is essential for hand sewing.
What if my knot keeps coming untied while I sew?
Your knot is too loose. Untie it, hold the short end of the thread steady, pull the long end tight, and slide the knot to the very tip of the thread. For thread that keeps slipping, use a double knot instead.
Is the overhand knot the only way to tie a sewing knot?
It is the most common and fastest method. The needle-threading knot and backstitch knot are alternatives for specific situations, but the overhand knot works for nearly all hand sewing.
How do I tie a knot if my thread is very short?
If the thread is too short to loop and tie, make two or three small overlapping stitches in the same spot instead. This locks the thread without a knot and works well for finishing seams.
Should the knot be on the front or back of the fabric?
The knot should be on the back of the fabric so it does not show in the finished work. Push your needle through from front to back on your first stitch, and the knot will catch on the back side.